We carried out a review of the data available to us about Larpool Lane on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Larpool Lane, you can give feedback on this service.
• Adaptations had been made to the service to ensure the risk of spreading infections was reduced. A separate laundry and kitchen area had been developed in the dedicated Covid-19 unit to avoid disruption to others areas of the service and people.
• The registered manager had an auditing system in place to ensure they had a plentiful supply of personal protective equipment.
• Thorough processes were in place to ensure any visitors to the service were appropriate risk assessed and managed. Visits were arranged at times that suited people and were spaced out to avid potential infection transmission with other visitors.
• The registered manager had completed training to ensure they had the appropriate skills and knowledge in order to take swabs effectively. A regular testing program was in place.
We were assured that this service met good infection prevention and control guidelines as a designated care setting.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.
Larpool Lane is registered to provide residential care for up to 40 older people. Accommodation is provided in one adapted building over two floors. This service is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
At our last inspection we rated the service Good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good. There was no evidence or information from our inspection and on-going monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.
People told us they felt safe at the service. Staff had a good understanding of safeguarding and how to report any concerns they had. Risk assessments were in place where needed and these had been updated when changes occurred.
Servicing certificates were in place where required. Environmental checks had not always been effective in identifying areas of concern. Fire exit signs had not been put back in place following re-decoration and fire exit ramps were covered in moss and posed a potential risk of falls.
There was enough staff on duty who were able to respond to people’s needs in a timely manner. Medicines were managed and stored safely. Staff had received training and staff competencies in this area were being assessed.
Staff told us they felt supported. Records showed that although supervisions were taking place, these had not been completed as regularly as specified in the provider’s policy. The registered manager was taking action with regards to this.
Staff had received training to enable them to carry out their role effectively. Staff spoke positively about the training that was provided.
People told us they were satisfied with the food and drink on offer at the service. When people required additional support with meals, this was provided in a dignified way by staff.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
Staff were familiar with peoples likes, dislikes and preferences with regards to care and support. Care plans contained person-centred information and people confirmed they had been consulted with regards to the support they required. The provision of activities was being reviewed to ensure activities on offer provided regular stimulation for people.
Quality assurance processes were place and completed on a regular basis. They had not always been effective in identifying areas where action was needed in relation to the environment.
People told us the registered manager was approachable and dealt with any concerns raised. The registered manager regularly sought feedback from people to monitor and improve the service.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.
This inspection took place on 27 October 2015 and was unannounced. We last inspected this service on 21 January 2014 and found no breach of regulations.
Larpool Lane is a care home providing personal care and accommodation for up to 40 older people. On the day of the inspection 31 people were using the service; six of those were there on a short term break. The service is a purpose built two storey building with level access into the first floor of the building. People lived in single room accommodation and had access to a large garden and patio areas. The service also provided a memory café to support those people who are living with dementia and others who use the service.
There was a registered manager at Larpool Lane. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
We found that this service was safe. When we spoke to people who used the service they told us that they felt safe. We found that staff had been recruited in a safe way and that there was sufficient staff to meet people’s needs. Medicines were administered safely.
People had been involved in planning their care and the care plans were based on their individual needs. Staff had the skills and knowledge required to care for people who lived at this service. They worked within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
People said that staff were caring. We saw many positive interactions between staff and people who used the service throughout the inspection. People were spoken to in a friendly, polite and respectful way with a lot of pleasant banter.
People were given clear information about how to make a complaint and we saw that complaints had been dealt with according to the service policy. Activities were organised and there was a memory café attached to the service to support people living with dementia.
This service was well led. Staff felt supported by their manager and through attendance at regular staff meetings. There was a clear management structure at the service. The registered manager monitored the quality of the care provided by completing regular audits.
The manager monitored the quality of the service provided to people. Staffing levels had improved since our last inspection and these levels were being monitored regularly by the manager. Corrective action had been taken to recruit and cover any staff sickness or absence. People we spoke with confirmed they were satisfied with the quality of the service being provided and said they felt their views were listened to and were acted upon.
Food provided to people during our visit looked appetising and nutritious. People we spoke with said that they enjoyed the food. One person said 'The food is good. There is nothing I don't get I just ask.'
There were policies and procedures in place to help to protect people from abuse. Issues raised were referred to North Yorkshire Social Services Safeguarding Team for their consideration. This helped to protect people.
During our visit we were informed by people we spoke with and by staff that there had been issues with maintaining staffing levels in each department of the home. We have asked the provider to take action to correct this. A person we spoke with said "The staff try their best to ensure my needs are met. However, I sometimes have to wait for assistance because staff cannot be in two places at once."
The quality of the service was being monitored. There was an 'open door' policy so that people could speak with the manager when they wanted to. However, there were staffing issues that had not been resolved through this monitoring.
People told us they got the care and support they needed. One person said 'I need a bit of help with some things. The staff know what I need a hand with. I can sometimes fall. I have to be careful. If I sit and wait the carers come and sort me out so that I am safe.'
People we spoke with said they were satisfied with how their medications were dealt with by the staff. One person said 'I have to take medication. The staff bring me my pills.'
People said they felt there were enough staff to look after them. They said staff were good at their job and had received training. A person said 'The staff do have training they are all really good.' Another person said 'The staff are very attentive they take care of me.'
People told us that they felt comfortable to give their views and said their opinions about the services they received were asked for in surveys and by the staff and management. One person said 'The staff come and talk to us to see what we think about living here.'